Community Rating System (CRS)

Recognizing & Encouraging Floodplain Management

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum standards set up for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In exchange for a community's proactive efforts to reduce flood risk, policyholders can receive reduced flood insurance premiums for buildings in the community. These reduced premiums reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community efforts toward achieving the three CRS goals:

1. Reduce flood damage to insurable property
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
3. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management

Flood Insurance Discounts

The Town of Vinton is one of the few communities in Virginia that have applied for and have been accepted into the CRS program. Due to the continuing efforts of Town administration, every Town of Vinton property owner - residential or commercial - whose property is located within the Special Hazard Flood Area (SHFA), may be eligible for a 10% discount on their annual flood insurance premium.

Helpful Resources

To find out if your property is located within the SHFA, contact us at 540-983-0605. If you have questions regarding your insurance premiums, please contact your insurance agent.